3.21.2010

Call for KY Artists - Deadline is March 26

I know we have lots of talented artisans in Kentucky. Some of you may be interested in this!

Open call to artists for Governor's Derby Exhibition -

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On behalf of Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear, the Kentucky Arts Council is coordinating the selection and installation of an exhibition of visual arts to be on display in the Capitol April 26 – May 10, 2010, in conjunction with the Governor's Derby Celebration activities.

All Kentucky artists are invited to submit digital images of original, two-dimensional work with an equine or spring theme; other Kentucky representations will also be considered. The deadline for submission is March 26, 2010.

To request a prospectus, timeline, guidelines and entry form, e-mail Melissa Nesselrode at melissa.nesselrode@ky.gov.


3.05.2010

Announcing Our March Giveaway!

Special thanks to team member Kellibeans for hosting our February giveaway. Our lucky winner was Jama Watts of ThesePreciousThings. Congrats to our winner!

We have another wonderful giveaway lined up for the month of March! This beautiful necklace was created by the husband and wife team of Kelly and Joey Graves, also known as WhimsyBeading.


Created with our fantastic team member Paulena in mind, Paulena's Pearls are great for those who love to sport the red, white and blue all year long! This 18" necklace is made with 8mm white glass pearls and 4mm Swarovski crystals in brilliant Siam Ruby and Cobalt, with sterling silver findings.

The value of this giveaway is $25.00.You can see more creations from WhimsyBeading at their etsy shop.

Note:

"Whimsy Beading is donating 50% of the proceeds from the first three sales in March to Cheyenne Wright, the fantastic colorist for Girl Genius (www.girlgeniusonline.com), to help offset the costs of his medical bills. After that, 20% of the proceeds from our sales in March will go to Cheyenne."

How to Enter:

1. Visit the Whimsy Beading etsy shop and leave a comment here about an item you like or ask a question of Kelly and Joey. (one chance to win)

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from WhimsyBeading for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

Kelly and Joey will draw a random winner on Wednesday, March 31. Stay tuned and good luck!


2.02.2010

Share our Success: Jama Watts



Congratulations to Jama Watts of These Precious Things, who was recently accepted as a Kentucky Crafted artist. Her work shown here was on display at the Capitol Rotunda during the month of February. Way to go Jama!

Ky Arts Advocacy Day - Feb 10


(information from the artsky.org website)

Arts Advocacy Day — Make your voice heard!
Join us in Frankfort on February 10, 2010.

Come to Frankfort to support the Arts! With the current challenging economy, particularly in the arts, your active participation this year will be crucial to make sure that the arts are supported in Kentucky.

While attending Arts Day (brought to you by the Kentucky Arts Council), you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about arts advocacy efforts and arts education. Learn how you can become more involved and more effectively support the arts and arts education in your community by attending workshops being offered on these topics (brought to you by Arts Kentucky.)

Who should come: Arts supporters, Artists, Arts administrators, Arts organization board members, Arts educators… anyone with a passion for the arts.

When and where? February 10, 2010 at the Capitol building in Frankfort, starting at 9:30am. Click here for directions and parking.

Agenda for the Day:
9:30am Rally for the Arts in the Capitol Rotunda
10:30am to 2pm Meet with Legislators
2pm to 5pm Arts Advocacy and Arts Education workshops (sponsored by Arts Kentucky)
at The Grand Theatre in Frankfort

◦2 to 3:30pm -- Workshop: Connecting with Elected Officials year-round
◦3:30 - 5pm -- Workshop: Implementing Arts Assessments in Schools (Robert Duncan)
◦3:30 - 5pm -- Presentation: The importance of Arts and Arts Education (Harry Pickens)

(For information on activities being presented by the Kentucky Arts Council, click here)

What can I do to prepare?
1. Share this information with your friends, co‐workers and other arts supporters – encourage them to come with you!

2. Email Arts Kentucky or call 1‐877‐561‐0701 to receive advance materials and register for the workshop.

3. Visit this page regularly for updates and materials; share this flyer with your friends and other arts supporters, or direct them to this website.

4. Make an appointment to meet your legislator on the 10th (Arts Kentucky can help you).

5. On Arts Day, wear bright blue and look for the Arts Kentucky “welcome wagon” when you park at the visitor’s parking garage. We will give you helpful info for the day.

What good will it do?
A lot! Legislators are making tough choices about funding and arts education, and they need to know that their constituents care about both. Your presence will send a strong message that you care, and you vote!

Want to do more?
Travel with us to Washington for National Arts Advocacy Day!
Led by Americans for the Arts, the national arts advocacy day brings together a broad cross section of America's cultural and civic organization and hundreds of grassroots advocates to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased funding for the arts.

Held April 12-13, 2010, this annual event in Washington, DC provides legislative updates, advocacy training, and effective meeting schedules with Congressional legislators and their staff. You will meet arts advocats from across the nation and share ideas and strategies that will help you for years to come.

Click here to read more about it and register with Americans for the Arts. If you decide to attend, please email us so we know to expect you and your delegation.